By James Day
The Silverton Senior Center was heavily damaged during the recent ice storm and is currently closed until repairs can be made. Board President Jenny Ohren told Our Town that when officials returned to the Center on Jan. 18, after being closed during the ice event, “broken pipes in the attic” led to the collapse of a ceiling because of the water that was pouring out.
“There is extensive work to be completed before reopening,” Ohren said.
The center was scheduled to be used Saturday, Jan. 27, for a going-away party for long-time executive director Dodie Brockamp, who has retired. Ohren said that the affair has been postponed, with no word available on a possible new date or perhaps a new site.
It was unclear at presstime whether the Center’s insurance will cover the full extent of the repairs. In recent years the Center has struggled financially and has used its website and other media in an effort to raise awareness of its financial challenges.
The center has a membership of nearly 600 people, according to the website.
Simone Stewart, incoming executive director for the Silverton Senior Center, shared additional information Jan. 24 on temporary locations for services, classes, and social gatherings.
SERVICES
• Silver Angels Foot Clinic will be operating on Tuesdays and Wednesdays by appointment at Silverton Assembly of God, 437 North James St. Contact Leana 503-881-7033 to make an appointment.
• AARP Tax Assist preparation will be available at Silver Falls Library on Saturdays.
• Bill Clubb massage will operate by appointment in his home studio in Salem. Book online.
CLASSES
• Low Impact Aerobic Exercise with Karen will be at Immanuel Lutheran Church gym, 303 N. Church St. Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays 9:30 -10:30 a.m. until further notice.
• Line Dancing will be at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 303 North Church St., in the gym on the first floor Wednesdays 1-2 p.m. for more advanced dancers and 2-3 p.m. for beginners.
• Ageless Yoga is taking place on Saturdays, 9 a.m. at Total Body Health, 1099 N. First St.
• Gail Gummin, Simple Qigong Instructor, will continue teaching the class in town. Contact Gail, 503-269-0641 for further details.
SOCIAL
• Open Studio Painters that met at the Senior Center on Wednesday afternoons has made arrangements to continue to meet on Thursdays 10 a.m. -1 p.m. at the Silverton Arts Association classroom, 303 Coolidge St., Coolidge McClaine Park.
• Knit Wits will meet 10 a.m. Wednesdays at Silverton Arts Association classroom, 303 Coolidge St.
• Poker meets on Mondays, 10 a.m. in a private home at 210 Jerome St. and on Fridays at 11 a.m. in a private home at 823 Sun Valley Court.
• Bridge meets on 10 a.m. Tuesdays in a private home at 1109 Jaysie Dr. An additional meeting day is to be determined.
OTHER
Silverton Genealogy Group will meet Feb.13 in the Program Room at Silver Falls Library, 410 South Water St.
The Saturday morning free breakfast held at the Senior Center is suspended.
The new executive director of the Silverton Senior Center, Simone Stewart, has temporary office space provided by Bella Casa Real Estate, 216 E. Main St.
Members can get information in person Monday – Friday 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and 1 – 3 p.m. The senior center phone number soon will be forwarded to a phone she can answer. In the meantime, the best way to communicate is through email at [email protected].
